Mangaluru, August 15, 2023: (Press Release) - Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, celebrated India's 77th Independence Day with a range of initiatives nationwide. 

Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, "As we celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day, Bank of Baroda reaffirms its commitment to the nation. The Bank has been a steadfast partner, supporting the country’s economic, social and Digital India agenda. We take immense pride in India’s transformative journey and look forward to continuing to contribute to the nation’s progress.”

On Independence Day, the Bank organised a flag hoisting ceremony at its Corporate Office in Mumbai, and its offices across the country, which saw the enthusiastic and widespread participation by employees. Further, the Bank and its employees actively endorsed the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign under which citizens are encouraged to hoist the Tiranga at their homes and offices to invoke the feeling of patriotism. 

In the run-up to Independence Day, the Bank marked 14th August as "Partition Horrors Remembrance Day”, by setting up exhibitions at 70 key locations pan-India. The exhibition narrates the story of India’s Partition and acknowledges the suffering and pain experienced by citizens during the partition. The Bank invited prominent local dignitaries to inaugurate the exhibitions. 

As a part of the Meri Maati Mera Desh initiative, Bank of Baroda employees wholeheartedly took the PanchPran pledge along with handfuls of soil – demonstrating their loyalty, dedication and respect to the nation. 

Bank of Baroda, Mangaluru Zone has a total of 383 branches across 22 districts from Madikeri to Gulbarga and is headed by Smt. Ghayathri R., General Manager and Zonal Head. The 77th Independence Day was celebrated at the Bank’s’ Zonal Office premises at Vijaya Towers, Mangaluru. Shri Ramesh Kanade, DGM and Deputy Zonal Head, Mangaluru Zone hoisted the National Flag. Shri Ashwini Kumar, DGM-Network and Shri M.V.S. Prasad, Regional Manager, Mangaluru City, Officials and Staff members of Mangaluru participated in the celebrations. The Panch Pran Pledge was executed as per the directions of Govt of India as a part of Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign and Saplings were also distributed.

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Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh Police are actively searching for film director Ram Gopal Varma after he failed to appear for questioning in connection with a case filed against him for allegedly posting offensive and morphed images of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and their family members on social media.

The case was registered at Maddipadu Police Station in Prakasam district on November 11, with the complainant Ramalingam alleging that Varma's posts undermined the reputation of the leaders and caused personal harm.

Three police teams—two in Hyderabad and one in Tamil Nadu—have been deployed to locate Varma. One team is currently in Chennai, another is at his residence in Hyderabad, and the third is searching in Film Nagar. Police officials reported that Varma’s phone is switched off, complicating their efforts.

According to Prakasam District Superintendent of Police (SP) A.R. Damodar, Varma had been issued two notices and was given until November 24 to cooperate with the investigation. However, he failed to appear, leading to intensified search efforts.

Varma’s lawyer has argued that physical presence is not required and has requested that the investigation proceed in a virtual format under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The lawyer stated that Varma had communicated his willingness to cooperate digitally but alleged that police had not responded to his requests.

SP Damodar criticised the director's approach, stating, "Without appearing for the investigation, how can Varma suggest a virtual probe?" He confirmed that police are pursuing all legal avenues to ensure compliance.

Varma, who had earlier requested additional time due to prior commitments, was summoned for investigation on November 25 but failed to attend. Police have stated that further legal action will follow if he continues to remain uncooperative.